Framber Valdez is eligible to pitch again on Wednesday night, and the Detroit Tigers are eager to get him back on the mound.
Valdez served a five-game league suspension and will start the middle contest of a three-game road series against the New York Mets.
In a May 5 game, the left-hander drilled Boston’s Trevor Story in the back with a fastball after surrendering 10 runs. Afterward, Valdez claimed he didn’t do it intentionally but was suspended.
“I felt pretty bad,” he told the Detroit News on Tuesday. “I had to be away. I was not allowed to be in the clubhouse during the games. I felt terrible. It was sad to have to leave my teammates in the dugout and go back to the hotel and watch the games on television.”
Valdez (2-2, 4.57 ERA) was one of the league’s biggest free-agent pickups this offseason, as the Tigers signed the 32-year-old to a three-year, $115 million contract.
“I just hope he comes out of it ready to pitch tomorrow,” manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday. “That’s all you can really do. It’s hard not being around the team during games. But he’s been able to get his work in. He’s been consistent behind the scenes and then he’s had to leave each day. We’ve got him center-focused on the Mets tomorrow. Let’s not make it any bigger than it is and get on with the season.”
Detroit, which has lost six of its past seven games, entered the season with one of the most accomplished starting staffs in the majors, but it’s been decimated by injuries. Ace Tarik Skubal underwent minor elbow surgery last week, and Justin Verlander has made only one start due to a hip injury. Casey Mize hit the injury list in the middle of last month due to a right adductor strain.
Valdez has been highly effective against the Mets in his career, going 3-0 with a 1.63 ERA in four career appearances (all starts).
He’ll oppose right-hander Christian Scott (0-0, 3.27 ERA), who will make his fourth start this season. Scott gave up one run and three hits in 4 2/3 innings while recording six strikeouts in a no-decision against Colorado on Thursday.
Scott, who missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, was removed after throwing 82 pitches. The Mets lost 6-2.
“I respect the decision,” Scott said. “Obviously, coming third time through the order and you have a lead there and you obviously want to hold it. I left those pitches arm-side for the four-pitch walk there, but I respect the decision.”
Scott will face Detroit for the first time in his career.
The Mets’ No. 2 prospect, A.J. Ewing, made his major league debut in center field on Tuesday. Ewing sparked the Mets to a 10-2 win, smacking an RBI triple and walking three times. He scored two runs and knocked in two.
“I’m confident in my ability,” Ewing said. “I’m just going to play the same game I’ve been playing and do what I do.”
Ewing had limited at bats in Triple-A Syracuse, but the Mets needed an energy boost.
“Triple-A to the big leagues, is a big jump,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “But this is a guy with that makeup, the tools, the skill set, the way he plays the game — he’s ready for it.”
–Field Level Media
